As studies continue on COVID-19, the CDC recently learned that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus do not show symptoms (“asymptomatic”). Even if you eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”), it is possible to transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. Taking the new evidence into consideration, the CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores. This is particularly important in areas where COVID-19 is widespread. Here are some key points regarding cloth masks from the CDC:

• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for physical distancing.

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker

• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

• Cloth face covers should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Cloth masks, or face coverings, can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.

Although wearing a cloth face covering can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to follow instructions when putting on and removing them so we do not put ourselves at a greater risk for infection.

Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before touching the mask.

Make sure the exterior side of the mask is always facing out, away from your face.

Make sure your entire nose and mouth are covered when you put it on.

Avoid touching the mask while you are in public.

Be careful taking it off. Use the ear loops and avoid touching the front of the mask that covers your face.

Do not touch the inside of the mask (the part that cover your nose and mouth). It may be contaminated from your breathing, coughing or sneezing.

Make sure you have a small bag (such as a Ziploc or brown paper bag) to carry your mask in your purse or pocket to avoid contaminating it or your other belongings.

Wash your hands immediately after you have taken it off.

Use detergent and hot water when washing cloth masks, and dry them on a hot cycle.

President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Arizona

On Saturday, April 4th, President Trump approved Arizona’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. This declaration will provide Arizona access to expanded mental health care, supplement the efforts of tribal health care workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, and expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19. In regards to the declaration Governor Ducey stated, “These resources will bolster our efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and help us bounce back afterward stronger than ever. This continued collaboration will be crucial as we utilize all tools to combat this virus.”

For more information on the Arizona’s Declaration of Emergency please click here.

Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved only for healthcare workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by CDC guidance.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) community transmission level of COVID-19 in Arizona remains at “widespread”. This means that the virus is present and circulating in communities across the state including Yuma County. We encourage all residents to take the necessary precautions including physical distancing and staying home if you are sick. Remember to:

Visit the YRMC or Yuma Sun Facebook page on April 9 at 4:00pm to watch this episode of Yuma On Call LIVE.

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Effective April 6, 2020 and until further notice the Trusted Traveler Program is cancelled. This is an additional safety measure that #MCASYuma is taking in order to help stop the spread of #COVID19.

What this means is that essential personnel that do not have common access card (CAC) and Department of Defense (DOD) identification cards are not authorized to come aboard the base without going to the Pass and Registration office and obtaining a base access pass. Essential personnel may obtain base access by providing the appropriate paperwork to the Pass and Registration Office during working hours.

ALL VISITORS will be required to provide justification for needing access to the installation and will not be granted access to the base simply because they know someone that has a CAC or DOD identification card who will be sponsoring/escorting them aboard the base.

As of April 6, 2020, sponsoring a visitor aboard MCAS Yuma that does not have a CAC or DOD identification card is strictly prohibited unless approved at the Pass and Registration Office.

YUMA PROVING GROUND

Although certain access restrictions directed by the Department of the Army are in place, Yuma Proving Ground's essential test mission in support of Army modernization priorities continues. Access to Yuma Proving Ground is currently restricted to the following:

*YPG residents, including Travel Camp residents

* YPG employees

* Civilian contractors who work at YPG

* Other personnel who come to YPG for an authorized purpose (including personnel on official orders to YPG, DoD retirees/ID card holders, and delivery drivers)

YUMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Airports, Rental Cars and Airlines are considered essential businesses. There are no travel restrictions to or from any nonstop destination served by American Airlines at Yuma International Airport. American Airlines may adjust their flight schedules and will contact ticketed passengers if a change is required.

Everyone’s health and safety is important to the Yuma International Airport team. Therefore we have placed hot buttons in the upper left corner on Yuma International Airport website, with COVID information specific to air travel and COVID updates from Yuma County.

Brewers is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm for pick up, curbside pick-up and deliveries from their airport location East to 9E.

Hertz, Avis and Budget rental car agencies at the airport are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Enterprise is available by appointment.

The following flight schedule is tentative and subject to change:

April 8-May 1:

3 Daily flights

0500 DFW

1147 PHX

2007 PHX

Saturday, May 2:

0500 DFW

Sunday-Monday May 3-4

0500 DFW

1147 PHX

2007 PHX

Wednesday, May 6:

0500 DFW

Thursday, May 7:

0640 DFW

Friday, May 8:

0800 PHX

1336 PHX

Saturday, May 9:

0640 DFW

May 10- May 31:

Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday

0640 DFW

0800 PHX

1336 PHX

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

0640 DFW

ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE - Remote working is now a priority for all employees except essential staff. All classes are entirely online through the end of the Spring semester.